U.S. airmen and their families have been served by the commissary benefit since the Air Force’s creation 74 years ago, so it’s with pride that the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) joins with them in observing the service’s birthday on Sept. 18.

Remember that grocery store you and your family grew up with – the one that had all of your favorite specialty items from around the world and the butcher who was always happy to cut that special roast for your family’s meal? I remember it, too, and I also remember the cashier who offered a wink and a smile because she knew us so well, it felt like family. I remember it so well because it was my commissary.

Since its founding in late 2019, the military resale joint buying alliance has saved the military community more than $75 million. The joint buying power of the military exchanges and commissary enables these organizations to offer lower prices and negotiate vendor markdowns on the products they sell.

School is back and so are commissary sidewalk sales. Throughout September, stateside commissary patrons can stock up on their favorite items at significant savings during these Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) events.

During Food Safety Education Month in September, the Defense Commissary Agency joins the Centers for Disease Control, the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Food Safety Inspection Service, the Department of Health and Human Services and other organizations in reinforcing foodborne illness awareness and prevention.

During September, National Preparedness Month focuses on everything you need to know before an emergency occurs. For military commissary customers, they can use a benefit that gives them an annual average of nearly 25 percent savings to purchase the items needed for their survival kits.

The Anchorage Commissary, Alaska, successfully partnered in an Alaska National Guard training mission Aug. 7, providing groceries at significant savings to authorized patrons in the remote town of Bethel.